Used Pop Up Camper Parts

Owners of older pop-up campers and especially owners of more
“obscure” models that had short production spans and since long
disappeared from manufacturers’ parking lots may face the problem of
finding replacement parts.

Also
the fact that RV industry went through (and is still undergoing) the
long period of consolidation, several brand names disappeared, many RV
businesses went belly up - does not help.

As a
result numerous models got discontinued and owners were left at the
merci of their own “ingenuity” and secondary market of used pop-up
camper parts.

Many car owners are familiar with the benefits of “junk-yards” which indeed can be the good source of used auto-parts.

Unfortunately
the situation in RV sector and used pop-up camper parts is not similar.
Not many of us know that RV industry is not well regulated (compared to
car’s industry with very strong safety rules, great warranty services
and incredible push for reliability and efficiency). RV Industry largely
escaped these trends and in many aspects it is still “in the woods”….
(well, pop-up campers suppose to be in the woods but not in this sense…)

Presentation of the Starcraft tent trailer (popup) roof repair

All that puts extra pressure on owners of older models for which new
parts are not available even from the “third party” sources.

Used Pop Up Camper Parts: Guidelines for search of used pop-up camper parts:

Whenever
possible use local sellers for used parts. This is because you can
examine the part at least in terms of shape, dimensions, degree of use
etc… before you pay for it. Even if you are not an expert in repairs,
the fact that you can see and touch the part you are searching for
offers you chance to compare it with the one you want to replace. For
bigger items (fridge, microwave, some furniture… you can take the
measurements to determine if it can fit into the original place in your
camper. This practical approach may save you a lot of time and spare
from frustration later.

For the above reasons
use Craigslist and/or adds in local newspapers as the first source.
Buying the part from owner is usually the best strategy. And frankly,
quite often the “used pop-up camper parts” from tent campers’ owners are
not only original, but also never used before (kept as spare for
campers they sold and replaced by newer models etc…). EBay may be also a
good source for used parts, but unfortunately also the source of
frustration because from the posted picture or description you cannot
see “little details” that at the end matter the most. Buying used pop-up
camper parts “remotely” you risk retrofitting work in your camper. In
the worst case you may just waste money and loose the precious time.
Having said that, we have to accept the fact that sometimes we have no
other choices.

There are specialized shops
selling refurbished used pop-up camper parts. These parts are redone to
make them appear new and sometimes do come with a limited warranty.
Please understand that this does not make them brand new (most likely
they have been only buffed up to give the new look). Some sellers may
also have the return policy in place. Sure, you will pay slightly more,
but in exchange you have some kind of “buyer protection”.

Be
very careful when buying used pop-up camper parts that determine the
safety of your camper. Last thing you need is to lose “your sleep” over
the replaced part that is compromising the vital functionality of the
camper.

Unless you are an expert (in this case
“handy man” with a lot of “technical” experience) – do not buy used
pop-up camper parts that are not in good condition. That may be waste of
money right away and ‘asking for problems” later approach rather then a
bargain.

If it is not too late – unless you are
collector of “antic” RVs, never buy a used pop-up camper if you cannot
determine the source for repair and replacement parts. The bargain may
soon turn into the bottomless well draining your pocket and time.

May be this guidelines sound too pessimistic, so let’s end on more positive note:

pop-up
camper trailers are not as complex as “rockets”. Many parts like
furniture, canopy, awnings, doors, grills, refrigerators etc… can be
replaced with used ones provided you find them being in good shape;

sometimes
instead of buying new item (for example LP gas/electric refrigerator,
gas heater, water pump, AC units etc…) you may find that repair service
is a better option than buying new one (lower cost and certainty that it
will fit to the place).

Used Pop Up Camper Parts: Pop-up campers parts and supplies camper...

Using a “good
(engineering) sense” when buying used pop-up camper parts should be
always part of your strategy. Prepared this way and armed with
knowledge, you may find that in many cases the secondary market of used
pop-up camper parts can help to solve your problems in an inexpensive
way. The bottom line is – if you can get it for less without
compromising safety, quality and “esthetics” – there is nothing wrong
with used parts.

If you found here something interesting, please share your experience with friends :-)